The second half of the 2024 season is almost here as the MLB All-Star game just capped off an interesting first half. It was an exciting event in Arlington, Texas as baseball's best descended upon the home of the Rangers.
There is some Braves news to cover from the last few days featuring Atlanta All-Star performances, a roster move, and incredible first-half statistics. Let's get into that news below.
Atlanta Braves impress during 2024 MLB All-Star game
Atlanta was well represented at the Summer Classic as the Braves sent four of their best. Marcell Ozuna kicked things off as he participated in the home run derby. Ozuna was only able to muster 16 homers during the first round and wasn't quite enough to advance.
However, it seems Marcell really enjoyed the experience. Teoscar Hernandez, outfielder for the Dodgers, edged out Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr. and took home the crown for this year's derby. The new format was interesting and kept fans engaged.
4⃣7⃣3⃣ feet from Marcell Ozuna 🚀
— MLB (@MLB) July 16, 2024
The longest of the #HRDerby. pic.twitter.com/XKtw136Zgm
At the All-Star game the next day, the Braves continued to see great representation. Max Fried, Reynaldo Lopez, and Marcell Ozuna all appeared in the game. The NL All-Stars benefitted from an early three-run homer by Shohei Ohtani but lost to the AL All-Stars by a 5-3 final.
None of the runs scored came from Fried or Lopez. Max pitched a scoreless inning with one walk while Reynaldo checked in for one-third of an inning and struck out Salvador Perez for the final out of the sixth inning. Chris Sale watched proudly as his rotation mates showed the rest of baseball why they are among the best pitching staffs.
Chris Sale is a proud dad 🥹#AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/VWk11HNG7m
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 17, 2024
Marcell Ozuna took an at-bat in the sixth inning with two runners on and two outs in the inning. Unfortunately, he grounded out on the third pitch to end the NL's threat to tie the game. It was an all-around good showing for the Braves and won't be the last time the team sends multiple players to the ASG. Next year will be special as the festivities make their way to Truist Park in Atlanta.
Utilty man Brian Anderson elects free agency
On Monday, we learned the Braves outrighted infielder/outfielder Brian Anderson to Triple-A Gwinnett. He was quietly passed through waivers and didn't get claimed so the team moved him to the minors. That move dropped Atlanta's 40-man roster down to 39 players and no corresponding move has been made yet. That spot will likely be filled before the second half resumes on Friday.
The #Braves today outrighted INF Brian Anderson to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 15, 2024
However, when Tuesday rolled around, Anderson decided he would elect free agency instead of accepting the assignment. It's not a huge loss for Atlanta as was rarely used by the team. He appeared in three games from June 5 to 12 but landed on the IL on June 25 due to a bacterial infection. The team reinstated him from the IL last week but didn’t use him for any games. The addition of Eddie Rosario likely made this decision a bit easier for the team.
Atlanta's pitching staff proves to be one of baseball's best in first half
When the Braves lost Spencer Strider to a season-ending injury, it was unclear how that would affect the starting rotation. Fortunately, it hasn't been a major problem as the Braves sent three starters to the All-Star Game. It has been one of baseball's best all season. Add the bullpen's incredible performance into the mix and you get one of the best pitching staffs in Major League Baseball.
The Braves also have great pitching depth in the organization and it's proven useful this season. It turns out that Atlanta's pitching was the best in baseball at the All-Star break. The team carried a 3.40 ERA, the best in baseball through the first half. They narrowly beat out the Phillies who featured a 3.41 ERA during that stretch.
Three All-Star starting pitchers, an elite bullpen and impressive organizational pitching depth? The @Braves made a strong case for best pitching staff in the first half 🔥@TexasPete | #HeatCheck pic.twitter.com/wdplhFk2bS
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) July 15, 2024
Atlanta's pitching also earned 53 wins which is tied for eighth most in baseball with the Boston Red Sox who have also been a nice surprise. Everyone expected the strength of the 2024 Braves to be their offense. However, it has been the opposite for most of the season. If the offense can find consistency, Atlanta is going to be a dangerous team in the second half.